Total Cost of Ownership?

[tele505]

I've been toying with the idea of buying a 911. Currently, there are three options in my area: a 99 996 c4 with 100,000 miles for 21k, an 03 996 c4 with 84,000 miles for 27 and an 83 sc 3.0 for 24.5.

Re the 996's, I'm concerned that once I buy them, I won't be able to afford owning them - maintenance and repairs are high, not to mention the horror stories I've heard about 996's and IMS bearings, etc...

The sc is promising, but older and maybe not suitable as a daily driver - hard to find parts, etc. Also, aren't the 3.0 litre motors unreliable?

Assuming that all three don't have any major problems, what are your thoughts in terms of ownership costs? Either 996, the sc, or should I take my money and just get something else? There's a pile of boxters out there for less money, or would I be better off just getting something new and bit more modest, like a Scion FRS?

[Nico911]

Originally Posted by tele505

I've been toying with the idea of buying a 911. Currently, there are three options in my area: a 99 996 c4 with 100,000 miles for 21k, an 03 996 c4 with 84,000 miles for 27 and an 83 sc 3.0 for 24.5.

Re the 996's, I'm concerned that once I buy them, I won't be able to afford owning them - maintenance and repairs are high, not to mention the horror stories I've heard about 996's and IMS bearings, etc...

The sc is promising, but older and maybe not suitable as a daily driver - hard to find parts, etc. Also, aren't the 3.0 litre motors unreliable?

Assuming that all three don't have any major problems, what are your thoughts in terms of ownership costs? Either 996, the sc, or should I take my money and just get something else? There's a pile of boxters out there for less money, or would I be better off just getting something new and bit more modest, like a Scion FRS?

My opinion on the subject :
You should avoid the 3.4L 996, especially the '99 model year.
The '03 C4 is another story, the 3.6L engine is much better and at 320 hp, it pulls pretty strong.
The 3.0L SC is a very reliable car, just ask if the chain tensioners have been changed to hydraulics ones. If it's a coupe for this price, maybe it could be a nice investment, but I would not recommend it as a daily driver.

Boxster : good first Porsche I guess but never owned one.
Scion : wtf ??? lol

There you go !

[tele505]

Good thoughts - Didn't grok that the motor was dif. between the 996's.